Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
When One Witness Is Enough: Credibility and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A single credible witness can sustain an estafa conviction. This article explains the rule from Panahon v. People and its practical implications.
Quitclaims Are They Always a Bar to Future Claims? Tagle v. Court of Appeals
Quitclaims do not automatically bar labor claims. Know when waivers are valid and when courts will set them aside.
Dismissal of Civil Cases: Understanding Failure to Prosecute in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when dismissal for failure to prosecute is proper, and when trial courts abuse their discretion.
Irrevocable Agency When A Treasure Hunt Creates Binding Obligations
When is an agency coupled with interest irrevocable? A treasure hunt dispute explains the rule and its practical limits.
Advance Payments and Government Contracts: Fiscal Responsibility in Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court ruling on advance payments in government infrastructure contracts and the limits under PD 1594 and PD 1445.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Judiciary Employees AND Public Decorum
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial employees' conduct, decorum, and accountability in Gonzales v. Gatcheco.
When Employee Participation Establishes Jurisdiction: Ponce v. NLRC
In Ponce v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that employees who actively participate in an appeal cannot later question the court's jurisdiction.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Defining Employers' Rights in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, when it becomes illegal dismissal, and how quitclaims affect employee rights.
Electricity Meter Malfunctions: Who Bears the Cost of Unregistered Consumption
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who pays for unregistered electricity when a defective meter causes under-billing.
Municipality Liability for Excavation Accidents on National Roads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on municipal liability for injuries from road excavations, even on national roads under municipal control.
Local Governments Must Make a Valid Offer Before Expropriation
The Supreme Court nullified Pasig City's expropriation for failing to prove a valid, definite offer to the owner before filing the case.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Partnership Disputes: Absence of Formalities Does Not Negate Partnership Existence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a partnership may exist without formal documents, based on the parties' intent and conduct.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
When a Spouse's Sale of Conjugal Property Without Consent Is Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property by one spouse without the other's consent stands, and when heirs can still demand partition.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles and Agrarian Reform: Strict Compliance and Beneficiary Rights
Explore the Junio v. Garilao ruling on land reclassification, CARP exemptions, and why strict compliance matters in agrarian reform cases.
Civil Liability Arising From Crime: Preserving the Right to Indemnification
A crime victim's reserved civil action for damages ex delicto survives even after the quasi-delict claim prescribes, the Supreme Court rules.
Forum Shopping Prohibited: No Separate Civil Action After B.P. 22 Criminal Case
Filing a B.P. 22 criminal case automatically includes the civil action. A separate civil suit for the same checks is barred as forum shopping.
Self-Defense in Sudden Attacks: What Soplente v. People Teaches About Unlawful Aggression
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts should view self-defense claims in fast-moving, life-threatening encounters.
Double Jeopardy or Civil Redress: Understanding Remedies in Bouncing Check Cases
One bouncing check can trigger both estafa and BP 22 cases, but only one civil recovery. Learn the rules.
Eminent Domain and Easements: Determining Just Compensation for Transmission Lines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for transmission line easements, including procedural rules on appeals in expropriation cases.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
When Duty and Danger Collide: Justifiable Homicide in the Line of Duty
A police officer's shooting of an escapee who grabbed an M16 was justified as fulfillment of duty, not homicide.
Laches and Land Rights: Why Delay Can Defeat Property Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how laches and inaction can bar property reconveyance claims even when fraud is alleged.